On September 16, 2026, at approximately 9 a.m., San Diego Police Department officers responded to reports of a man damaging vehicles with a metal rod. Officers located the suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Saul Sandoval Chavez, who fled on foot and entered a nearby business. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Chavez refused to exit the business and was armed with an incendiary device. Officers attempted to negotiate with him before deploying a police K-9. During the encounter, Chavez ignited the incendiary device, setting the K-9 on fire. An officer responded by firing multiple rounds, striking Chavez. Officers immediately rendered lifesaving aid before paramedics transported Chavez to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before noon. Three SDPD officers sustained burns to their hands and were treated at a hospital before being released. The police K-9 also suffered burns and received veterinary treatment.